SHARE ARTICLE
The Rotary Club of Chestnut Hill continues its extensive outreach in the community, recently awarding grants to 14 local organizations that fall within several of Rotary International’s areas of focus: supporting education, improving local communities, maternal and child health, and protecting the environment. The grants are expected to impact nearly 3,000 individuals in need.
“Thank you for your generous $2000 donation,” said Heather Hodson, Founder and President of iFishIBelong. Your support is crucial in advancing our mission and the All Kids Fish program in Pennsylvania.”
iFishIBelong’s goal is to help inspire the next generation of anglers and environmental stewards through immersive, hands-on fly-fishing retreats. They believe that getting kids outdoors directly engaged with nature helps them become more passionate about protecting the natural world.
Chestnut Hill Rotary sponsored and volunteered at the All Kids Fish Pennsylvania event A few dozen youth-including those from underserved areas-gathered on the banks of Stony Creek in Norristown, PA on a rainy day to learn how to fly fish.
In addition to providing funding, Rotary volunteers Rebecca Anwar, Cathy Brzozowski, David Hawkings, David Gary Smith and Ellen Williams, helped guide and organize the All Kids Fish event in Norristown PA held on September 26.
The iFishiBelong All Kids Fish program was inspired by the vision, passion, of Becca Sue Klein, one of the founding members of the organization. Klein, who passed away from breast cancer in early 2025, worked to make fly fishing more inclusive, accessible, and impactful for all children.
Chestnut Hill Rotary is known for its hands-on community service projects in the Mt. Airy, Germantown, and Chestnut Hill areas such as painting the halls at Face to Face Germantown, preparing food and gathering clothing for clients of Prevention Point Philadelphia, purchasing and distributing dictionaries to nearby schools in need, or maintaining the pergola, one of the Chestnut Hill many urban parks.
Hear from Principal of Jenks school about how Rotary funds help her school.
In addition to community service projects, Chestnut Hill Rotary raises over $30,000 each year to provide support to more than a dozen local and international organizations. The club accomplishes this with fundraising efforts through its charitable foundation, operated by its members. Successful events are held each year such as the Lobster Fest, Bingo Night, or sometimes members just “pass the hat” when an individual need arises. Members volunteer more than 1,100 hours each year raising funds and providing hands-on service to the local community.
The club also utilizes its members’ extensive knowledge of the local and international communities to identify areas of need, and together work to improve that community. Where possible, funding is matched with a grant from Rotary International or its local District funds which stretches the dollars even further.
Supporting education is one of Rotary's seven areas of focus. Why? Because more than 775 million people over the age of 15 are illiterate. That’s 17 percent of the world’s adult population. Rotary’s goal is to strengthens the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender-disparity in education, and increase adult literacy.
Pictures above, clockwise, Rotary volunteers interacting with students at Lingelbach Elementary school, Emlen Elementary, Houston Elementary school, and Jenks Academy for the Arts & Sciences
Each year. Chestnut Hill Rotary purchases and delivers books to 3rd grade students to take home and “call their own” at Eleanor C. Emlen, Henry H. Houston, Jenks Academy for the Arts & Sciences, and Anna L. Lingelbach schools. Volunteer members read and highlight various aspects of the books to get students excited about reading. Member volunteers are distributing the books over the next two weeks.
Corinne Scioli, principal at Jenks and a member of the Rotary Club of Chestnut Hill herself, said there is “pure excitement” in the room when the dictionaries are delivered.
“I often challenge the students to dive right in and find an ‘interesting fact’ to share with me,” Scioli explained. “You can see their eyes light up as they navigate the pages, racing to be the first to discover a new word or a piece of information they didn’t know before. It turns a foundational tool into a fun, interactive ‘treasure hunt.’”
As gun violence continues to plague Philadelphia, it is youth who increasingly find themselves as the target. To help, Chestnut Hill Rotary provided funding for seven youths to attend the La Salle University’s Summer STEM Enrichment Camp with a strong conflict resolution component led by a local leader from Germantown Faith Communities Against Gun Violence, Reverend Linda, J. Ivey, MSW.
Funding was also provided for:
Materials for a memorial mural for B Inspired Philadelphia that provides innovative after school programs for underserved youth.
The Chestnut Hill Garden District for maintenance of Peace Park, one of many lush pockets of parks in Chestnut Hill. Peace Park, located at Germantown and East Mermaid Lane.
Purchasing reusable bags for seniors and families in need at Chestnut Hill Meals on Wheels.
Supplies for an outdoor classroom at Eleanor C. Emlen Elementary school.
Fresh fruits and vegetables for families in need through the Northwest Mutual Aid Collective’s program.
Plant and tree tags for ongoing restoration project by the Friends of Pastorius Park.
Wireless headsets for auditorium productions at Jenks Academy for the Arts & Sciences.
Struggling families and individuals who are experiencing homelessness through Face to Face Germantown’s comprehensive programs.
Musicopia’s instrument donation program and transportation focused on underserved youth.
Support for youth development initiatives at The Business Center for Entrepreneurship & Social Enterprise.
Families who are experiencing healthcare issues through Ronald McDonald House Philadelphia.
Scholarships for youth to attend Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, an intensive leadership experience where young people develop skills while having fun and making connections.
Lighting and landscaping supplies to improve safety at the Water Tower Recreation Center spearheaded by the Water Tower Advisory Council.
Rotary plans to announce additional grant awards to international causes in 2027.
To make a tax-deductible contribution to Chestnut Hill Rotary’s Foundation, visit here.
